Lamplighter Festival
Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Organised by leading carnival artists and puppeteers, Handmade Parade, Todmorden‘s Lamplighter Festival is an extravaganza of awe-inspiring illuminated creations marking the start of the darkest months of the year.
As well as the acclaimed large-scale lantern parade and mythical “Lamplighter” as a symbolic guide for the town and valley through the dark winter, this out of the ordinary festival features an exciting programme of top music, street theatre and installations.
Dancing on the streets is guaranteed with brass band ravers Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, high energy Skiband, Fat Cat Brass and the 30-piece turbo charged Drum Machine. Look out for large scale illuminated performance and projections especially commissioned from leading artists and puppeteers including Spacecadets, Fabric Lenny and Thingumajig Theatre. Oodles of hot food and drink plus a spectacular firey finale will keep the cold at bay.
We love that Lamplighter celebrates the creativity of Todmorden in such big proportions. The concept, lanterns and performance are driven by the people of the town in collaboration with leading artists and musicians to create something so unique. We love that this festival of light comes from the recognition that we need creative outdoor arts to perk ourselves up in the cold, dark months …. and, of course, a whole lot of dancing too.
